Parents need to know that this is as close to an R as it can be and remain a PG-13. It's very violent, with shoot-outs that leave one character dead and another seriously wounded. A character takes one risk that appears suicidal. Characters drink and smoke. Corona beer seems to be an especially obvious product placement, and giving someone a beer is a gesture of honor and acceptance. There is a same-sex kiss, some skanky behavior, and women appear in scanty clothing. There's a non-graphic but explicit sexual situation. Characters use very strong language, including the "N" word and other racial slurs. Viewers see some gross photographs of an injured man. Characters are in extreme peril, both in racing and in shoot-outs. Robbing and shooting are sympathetically portrayed, and Brian's ultimate decision is a serious betrayal.

Families can talk about the way that even outcasts create families, as where Dom presides over a barbecue dinner that is like a cover illustration from Tatooed Biker done by Norman Rockwell. They even say grace. They could also talk about the people who do not tell each other the truth, and those who make the decision to violate the law to make things easier for themselves.

The good stuff

Role models: Gangs mostly divide along racial lines, strong women characters but also many bimbos.

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